Friday, September 09, 2011

Migrant domestic workers protest

HUNDREDS of migrant domestic workers gathered last Sunday in
Old Palace Yard, Westminster to
demonstrate against the Government’s proposed changes to the domestic workers’
visa.

The British
government has proposed to change the domestic workers’ visa and remove some of
the most fundamental rights of migrant domestic workers, which could leave them
vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and human trafficking.

At present migrant
domestic workers have some protections. They are allowed to change their
employer without losing their immigration status, meaning if they are
mistreated, they can leave and find new non-exploitative work to support their
families.

They can seek justice
through the police or the employment courts without fearing they will be
deported.

If these rights are
removed, unscrupulous employers will know they can abuse and exploit with
impunity.

Justice 4 Domestic
Workers, the domestic worker led group organising the rally, and supported by
Kalayaan and Unite the union in demanding that the Government does not return
slavery to Britain
and that:

• Domestic
worker visa rights are retained, including the right to change employer and
recognition as a worker covered by employment legislation;

• Those who
come to the UK
with diplomats have these same rights;

• The UK
government ratifies and implements the International Labour Convention on
domestic workers

Marissa Begonia,
chair of Justice 4 Domestic Workers, said: “Where are we heading if the minimal
protection we have is about to be removed, back to the century of slavery?

“The domestic worker
visa has been our escape route from abusive employers and enabled us to rebuild
our lives from this exploitative situation.

“The UK
government acknowledged the need to protect migrant domestic workers in 1998
and implemented the domestic workers’ visa. Why take back what is proven as the
best protection of some of the most vulnerable workers?

“We urge the
Government to uphold the honour and dignity of the United
Kingdom and improve the current working and
living conditions of domestic workers. The more vulnerable the worker is, the
more protection they need.”

Jenny Moss, community
advocate at Kalayaan, said: “Removing the vital protections associated with the
domestic worker visa will undoubtedly lead to an increase in abuse,
exploitation and human trafficking. It is shameful that the UK
government intends to return us to slavery for the sake of knocking 1,000
people from their net migration total.”

Diana Holland, Unite
assistant general secretary, said: “The domestic worker visa was introduced
with all-party support to right a very serious wrong. It is horrifying to
contemplate a return to the slavery and bonded labour before the visa. This
Government cannot brush the issue of slavery under the carpet.”